Preview: Newcastle Jets v Canberra United

Newcastle Jets face a tough test as champs Canberra United visit town but this season’s Westfield W-League has proven far more competitive than any prior season of the competition proving that results don't always go to form.

The Jets started their campaign brightly with a hard-won point at Perth Glory and then a rare win at Melbourne Victory. However, last weekend’s somewhat unlucky last-minute defeat against Western Sydney Wanderers will have left the Jets a little deflated.

They now face the added pressure of tackling a talented and highly experienced United outfit. They are also battling a terrible record against the side from the nation’s capital which has reaped just a single win and a draw from 11 meetings. They did, however, collect a 3-3 draw at home against United last season ending a run of nine consecutive defeats against that opponent.

Canberra, for their part, face their own test of character. United crashed to a hefty 4-2 loss against Melbourne City last weekend – only the second time they have conceded four goals in a Westfield W-League match.

United have endured a mixed campaign so far, and were downed 2-1 by Brisbane Roar in the opening round, before impressively routing Sydney FC 3-0 the week after.

But there is no doubting Canberra’s quality, with several of their squad members spending the week in camp with the Westfield Matildas.